Thailand urges talks on Dawei SEZ after construction setback
Thailand is keen to push forward development of Myanmar’s Dawei special economic zone (SEZ) and deep sea port, said deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow on Thursday.
He was speaking in his capacity as chairman of the Myanmar-Thailand joint high-level committee for development of the Dawei SEZ and related projects.
The Dawei SEZ has been hit with repeated delays, and faced another setback last month when Myanmar cancelled contracts with the Italian-Thai Development Company and partners to develop its first phase.
Meanwhile, Thailand has invested in infrastructure to support the SEZ, including the soon-to-open Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi motorway to Myanmar’s border. The route will enable Thai trade to flow directly to the Indian Ocean without passing through the Malacca Strait.
Supattanapong added that the three parties involved in the Dawei project – Thailand, Myanmar and Japan – should hold more talks on crucial issues soon to push forward development.
The National Economic and Social Development Council is gathering information on the project to be presented to Supattanapong. It will also cooperate with the Foreign Ministry in deciding how Thailand should proceed on the project.
